Scan the card linked to a trap, record what you found and whether you rebaited, and move on to the next trap. Most checks take only a few taps. You can also record checks without a card.
Record a check using a card
Open Scan and scan the QR code on the card linked to the trap. Alternatively, select Enter ID and type the Card ID printed on the card.
If you're recording without an account, see Recording as a guest. If the card hasn't been linked to a trap, see Activating TrapScan Cards.
Record what you found
Choose the option that describes the trap:
- Something was in it
- It was empty, trap still set
- It was empty, trap sprung
If you caught something, choose the species. Common species appear first, with a full list available for other catches. If the trap was empty, you'll go straight to the lure question.
Record the lure
Select Previous bait is still good if you didn't rebait and the previous bait is still usable, or select the lure you used when rebaiting.
The current form has no option for bait that is missing or unusable when you haven't replaced it. Tell your project manager if that happens, so they know the trap needs attention.
Your answer saves the check automatically. There is no separate Submit button. For an empty trap with bait still good, you only need to make two selections after scanning.
Record a check without a card
From Scan, select Enter ID to find a trap by name. Open the trap and record the check using the same questions.
You can also open a trap from You → Traps, from a project's Traps list if you're a project manager, or from a link in an existing trap check. Open the trap's menu and select Record trap check.
After you record
When you're online, your check appears in TrapScan immediately. You can find recent checks on the You page, where your history shows each trap, the check date and your answers alongside your personal trapping statistics.
If you're offline, the check is saved on your phone for upload when you reconnect. If you recorded it as a guest, you'll need to log in before uploading. The check is then attributed to the account you use to upload it. See How offline mode works for details.
If you caught something unusual
Select the species from the full list. If you're unsure what you caught, tell your project manager so they can follow it up.
If the trap needs repair
Tell your project manager which trap needs attention and what's wrong.
If there was more than one catch
Record a separate check against the same trap for each catch.
If you made a mistake
Find the check in your history on the You page, open it and select Edit. Your previous answers are filled in, so you can change what you need and submit the edited check.
Editing needs an internet connection. If the check has already reached Trap.nz, the edit is saved there too. If that update fails, the edit isn't saved and you'll need to try again.
How checks reach Trap.nz and the project manager
A check recorded online normally reaches Trap.nz within minutes.
The check form doesn't currently have a maintenance flag. Trappers therefore need to report traps that require repair, and catches they can't identify confidently, directly to you.